Morning Report: No longer 'infallible,' Ronda Rousey says there is 'no room for improvement in perfect'
Ronda Rousey's aura of invincibility disappeared with one well-placed head kick from Holly Holm at UFC 193 in November.
The superstar's dominance and attitude made her a darling of hyperbole-pushing media and in return Rousey netted herself and the UFC millions. When her image shifted violently in the wake of her loss, Rousey seemed as shocked as any true believer.
In February, Rousey revealed to Ellen Degeneres that she had even had suicidal thoughts following the loss to Holm as she began to question her new identity.
"I was literally sitting there and thinking about killing myself," Rousey said. "And that exact second I'm like ‘I'm nothing, what do I do anymore and no one gives a sh*t about me anymore without this.'"
Another month closer to a projected return to fighting in November, Rousey is now using the loss to help others.
"Every single setback, it's not the end of the world, it's just the beginning of that lesson," Rousey said this week at Reebok's Luncheon for Inspirational Women (via Inside Halton). "That had to happen for me to learn these certain things and it's not about being completely infallible, it's about getting better and there's no room for improvement in perfect."
Rousey admits she's had a difficult time finding a silver lining, saying it may takes months or even years.
"A lot of people think they're a good person because they don't do this, and they don't do that," said Rousey. "But for me, it's not about what you abstain from, it's about what you do that makes a difference.
"When it comes to challenges, I honestly believe that things happen for a reason. At the time yes it's hard on a personal, emotional level and it's hard to look past what's happening to the future, but you have to believe in yourself because down the line in two, five, ten years' time you'll look back and think that was actually the best thing that ever happened to me."
Rousey is expected to face current UFC women's bantamweight champion Miesha Tate a third time later this fall.
5 MUST-READ STORIES
The MMA Beat. The panel will talk about MMA getting legalized in New York, McGregor vs. Diaz 2 and much more.
Rematch. Nate Diaz-Conor McGregor 2 could be announced by the end of week, according to McGregor's coach.
Options. Holly Holm open to rematch either Ronda Rousey or Miesha Tate, but prefers to "avenge the loss."
'Shamrock was always famous for complaining and making excuses.' Royce Gracie says Ken Shamrock's alleged steroid use "made no difference" at Bellator 149.
'If someone pulls out, I'm your man.' Mark Hunt wants "top-five" opponent next and says he's ready to step in against a top contender on short notice.
MEDIA STEW
Nate Diaz jokes that he might not train for a second fight with Conor McGregor.
Gracie Breakdown of the Katt Williams beatdown.
Nice mini-doc from the AKA Thailand crew.
Diaz talks pre-fight jitters, marital arts, being vegan, how his life has changed and more.
VR experience with Royce Gracie at Bellator 149.
Free fight: GLORY 27 Chicago - Wayne Barrett vs Dustin Jacoby Tournament Final.
Long watches.
Fighter and the Kid - Episode 134: Bas Rutten and Mauro Ranallo
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TWEETS
Squashed.
All good doe
Posted by Nate Diaz on Thursday, March 24, 2016
Sitting, waiting, wishing.
They know how to get a hold of me... Until then, I'll be chillin' https://t.co/63VlbzN3ij
— Carlos Condit (@CarlosCondit) March 25, 2016
TBT.
#TBT #UFC173 #UFC182 #ANDNEW #UFC197 #ANDSTILL"
Posted by Daniel Cormier on Thursday, March 24, 2016
Buds.
My Big Brother! The real Champion of The UFC Meu grande amigo, o verdadeiro campeão do UFC Prime Esportes Tatames
Posted by Diego Brandão on Wednesday, March 23, 2016
It happens.
Posted by Kelvin Gastelum on Thursday, March 24, 2016
Agree?
Kavanagh: "There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind about that Gunni can be a champion. He’s even stronger since the loss...
Posted by Gunnar Nelson on Thursday, March 24, 2016
Update.
update on when I'm going to fight again: I am ready to fight. Just been waiting for a spot to open up on a card. Hopefully soon .#UFC199??
— Carla Esparza (@CarlaEsparza1) March 24, 2016
Horrifying.
Hahaha this is amazing !! Poor Colten starts crying at the end looks awesome hahah!... https://t.co/l3SIrnJgbX
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) March 24, 2016
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (Mar. 24 2016)
Daron Cruickshank vs. Shinji Sasaki at Rizin 1
Luiz Henrique da Silva vs. Jonathan Wilson at UFC 199: Rockhold vs. Weidman
Marcin Held vs. Dave Jansen at Bellator 155
Joey Beltran vs. Chase Gormley at Bellator 155
Chris Barnett vs. Kirill Sidelnikov at Rizin 1
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